NPS Suggestions for cave

MNFish · Mar 20, 2021

When I built a tank for my Daughter she wanted a large cave, and so far I have 1 Fathead Dendro in it which has been doing great. I am trying to decide if I should just add more Dendros since we have a lot of room in the cave or if anyone has any other suggestions for what to put in a cave?
Thank you!

Subsea · Mar 20, 2021

Depends on maturity of tank or how much attention to feeding requirements You want. How big is tank? How high is cave? I assume you target feed.

I like filter feeders. Of course, they can be in the light as well as in the cave. If you have phytoplankton, then go with flame scallops and sea apples. However, each of those can move, if they choose. Feather dusters are almost indestructible.

MNFish · Mar 20, 2021

I target feed chopped Wild Patagonian Red Shrimp, and I mix in some different coral foods with the shrimp water for the main diet and then do all sorts of other frozen foods for variety. I prefer ones that would be able to take small amounts of meaty foods as we enjoy watching them eat.

The cave is about 16 inches front to back and maybe 2 feet side to side and about a foot tall.

The tank is around a year old and everything in it seems pretty happy.

Sea apples look pretty awesome I will have to research that one more, thank you!

Subsea · Mar 21, 2021

Tube anemones will give you that feeding response. They even catch dry flake food when I feed fish.

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I have never kept one.

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I am well pleased with these two species of sponges in my mixed garden.

dennis romano · Mar 21, 2021

You can put in a few more Dendros. Try gluing them to the tiny shelves on the cave walls. Feather dusters and Cerianthus anemones are other easy options. Sea apples could be tricky. They are toxic when they die. I have a lot of NPS but won't try one.